Steve Whan
Acting Minister for Water
Minister for Skills, TAFE, and Tertiary Education

MEDIA RELEASE

Levelling up leak detection to save water

Thursday, 11 January 2024

The NSW Government's $4.4 million Active Leak Detection Project is marching into 15 more councils for the next stage of work over the summer months to deliver water savings in regional communities using state-of-the-art technology.

With many parts of the state already experience drought conditions, reducing water loss is critical. $1 million has been injected into the project that has already surveyed more than 12,300kms of mains. This has saved 5.3 billion litres of water or the equivalent of 2,120 Olympic-sized swimming pools so far across 54 local government areas.

Specialist teams use cutting-edge equipment including leak noise loggers, electronic listening sticks, ground microphone, and leak noise correlators to detect and pinpoint leaks, before reporting them to the local council for repair. This ensures a more robust and efficient water network.

Eurobodalla Shire, Wingecarribee Shire, Snowy Monaro Regional Council, Walgett Shire, Narrabri Shire, Berwarrina Shire, Warren Shire, Muswellbrook Shire, Tweed Shire, Cowra Shire, MidCoast, Ballina Shire, Central Darling Shire, Murray River and Armidale Regional Councils are having their pipes and valves inspected between now and March 2024.

The additional funding is part of the NSW Government's $12.5 millions Regional Leakage Reduction Program, which last year provided $1.3 million worth of grants to 13 local water utilities to assist them with staff training, pressure management, leakage control, and metering. 

Quotes attributed to Acting Minister for Water, Steve Whan:

"The Minns Labor government has located more than 2500 water leaks in network infrastructure across the state, and 700 leaks in the supply for individual customers' properties which is a strong reminder that there is no room for complacency when it comes to looking after our more precious natural resource.

"With another drought on the horizon, we can't be a one trick pony for water management and our innovative program is designed to take a holistic approach to boosting water efficiency across our regions.

"Our expert leak detection teams play a key role in ensuring we're counting every drop and making sure our communities are ready for when the next dry spell occurs."

For more information, visit: https://water.dpie.nsw.gov.au/plans-and-programs/water-efficiency/regional-leakage-reduction-program